John Spillane in Castlepollard

Spillane an Fánaí, presented by singer, songwriter John Spillane, combines off-the-cuff encounters, interviews and music sequences, during his weeks in six different locations, working in a pub and venturing out to meet people in search of musical inspiration for his songwriting in the and character of small town life.

Spillane an Fánaí is a fascinating Irish-speaking exploration of the history and personality of rural towns outside of the traditional Gaeltacht areas.

The towns John visits are Fethard in Tipperary, Graiguenamanagh in Kilkenny, Cootehill in Cavan, Castleisland in Kerry, Castlepollard in Westmeath and Kiltimagh in Mayo.

Programme 5 TG4 Sunday October 13, 10pm
The latest destination on Spillane’s journey around Ireland is Farrelly’s Bar in Castlepollard.

When not working in the bar, he digs potatoes the old fashioned way, hears the romantic tales of Bridget Donoghue and of the Children of Lir, meets the current Lord Longford and takes on a champion pool player.

The programme is repeated on Thursdays at 10.15pm.